News Round Up: iPad2, ITV, Han Han, Skyplus
A round up of some of the media, marketing and technology stories making the news this morning.
ITV fights back with advertisements to lure 'fast-forward generation'
Advertisers are creating special commercials designed to be viewed at up to 12 times normal speed, according to the Telegraph this morning. Dubbed the ‘fast-forward advertisement’, the commercials are a response to consumers' growing love of digital video recorders such as Sky+, which allow viewers to fast-forward the advertisements in recorded television programmes. Concerned that their expensive messages may be missed by viewers, advertisers are redesigning commercials so that viewers get the gist even if they watch at high speed. Market analysts Deloitte said the new breed of advertisements would feature more lingering shots of brands and logos.
China's most popular blogger shuts down new magazine
China's most popular blogger Han Han's attempt to launch a publication for alternative thinkers has collapsed after one issue, reports the Guardian. Literary magazine Party has been locked in a struggle with authorities since it was founded in early 2009, despite selling 1.5m copies of its first and only published issue. His blog has attracted more than 300m hits but his criticism of the government and championing of free expression made potential partners nervous. The first edition was repeatedly delayed while a second edition proved even harder to print, prompting Han to close the operation and dismiss remaining magazine staff.
Former ITV chief swaps boardroom for consulting couch
The Independent is reporting that former ITV chairman and Carlton Communications founder Michael Green is undergoing training as a psychotherapist at London's private Regent's College. He was ousted as chairman of the newly-merged ITV in 2003 and has an estimated personal fortune of £83m. Green finds himself in good company with high-flyers from show business, politics and sport who have also chosen psychotherapy as a new career option. It takes a minimum of four years to train as psychotherapist, according to the UK Council for Psychotherapy.
iPad 2 Rumours: The Comprehensive Guide
Social media web guide Mashable have put together a comprehensive guide to the rumours surrounding iPad 2, due sometime in 2011. Strong rumours include there being three versions of the new iPad (to serve Wi-Fi, UTMS and CDMA) and the new version to include both front and back facing cameras. The article also predicts that a slimmer and lighter iPad will be delivered, but says the new tablet is unlikely to introduce a USB port. Mashable predicts that the iPad 2 will be launched in March 2011, although Apple have yet to reveal a release date.